Spark Admissions

APRIL 11, 2023

In March 2023, Columbia University announced that it would permanently drop the SAT/ACT requirement for undergraduate admissions. The decision by Columbia to abandon the SAT/ACT requirement represents a significant milestone in the ongoing debate around standardized testing in higher education and in the overall future of college admissions.

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AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Not everyone feels confident when it comes to taking tests. You’re not alone— around 40 to 60% of high school students experience test anxiety, a type of stress that makes it tough to focus and perform well during exams. As a high school student, you’re probably no stranger to big tests like AP exams, the PSAT, or the SAT and ACT.

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 19, 2024

The answer includes strong academics, compelling extracurriculars, and an authentic story that showcases your unique strengths. Harvard takes a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they dont just focus on grades and test scores. What does Harvard look for in an applicant? Instead, they look at everything that makes you unique.

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AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 28, 2024

When it comes to your college applications, one big question is: how many extracurriculars should I have to stand out without overloading my plate? Think of extracurriculars like toppings on a pizza. Let’s break down how many extracurriculars you should really have, what counts, and how to make yours stand out. Don’t sweat it.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 23, 2025

One of the big questions that might be swirling around in your head is: Is Duke test-optional? Dukes Test-Optional Policy Duke SAT Scores Duke ACT Scores Duke University Admission Requirements Frequently Asked Questions Takeaways Dukes Test-Optional Policy For the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, Duke University is test-optional.

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Great College Advice

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Admissions officers mark each individual factor (grades, test scores, essays, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, etc.) They will pay much less attention to your grades in your “extracurricular pursuits done while in school,” including music, theater, business, art, debate, and athletics.

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AdmissionSight

MARCH 19, 2025

Alongside the ACT , this test aims to give colleges a peek at how well you might handle their courses. Even though youve outscored 12% of test takers, it likely wont be enough to open doors to numerous schools. If youre applying to test-optional or test-blind schools , your score wont necessarily hold you back.

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AdmissionSight

APRIL 3, 2025

In this blog, well talk about what a 960 SAT score really means, whether or not you should retake the test, and how you can move forward to reach your college goals. Scoring 960 on the SAT places you around the 41st percentile , meaning you performed better than about a third of test-takers nationwide. How Good Is a 960 SAT Score?

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Admissions Village

DECEMBER 1, 2022

The University of San Diego (who is test blind) has expanded tutoring services and invited all first-year students to campus a week early, at the college’s expense, for Science Lab boot camps because the students probably missed that in high school. Many other colleges might be thinking of returning to requiring test scores.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 20, 2025

Even with high GPA and test scores, your chances may be slim if you dont excel in other areas they value. Extracurriculars. Standardized test scores (optional). Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional for the 202425 cycle. ACT or SAT scores (optional). Holistic admissions process. Limited seats.

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Peterson's Blog

OCTOBER 23, 2024

ACT and SAT scores decline across the U.S. Standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, are used to determine academic readiness and skills for entering university. This month, Peterson’s will be offering an ACT and SAT special , six months of test prep for $135—99 dollars off, so that students can walk into their test confidently.

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AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

1300 SAT to ACT Conversion Should You Retake the SAT? According to the College Board’s data , a 1300 SAT score is a solid achievement, placing you in the top 9% of test-takers nationally and 14% among active college applicants. Colleges also examine your GPA , extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations.

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College Essay Guy

DECEMBER 20, 2024

Do you have to be a star athlete, or a straight-A student, or maybe the president of every extracurricular club? These scholarships typically require excellent grades, high test scores, and sometimes additional criteria like leadership, community service, or extracurricular involvement. How do you write a scholarship essay?

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 4, 2024

A big reason for this surge is the rise of test-optional policies and increased global access to higher education. This means more competition for every spot and higher expectations for grades, test scores, essays, and extracurriculars. Think 1550+ on the SAT or 35 on the ACT. to just 5.4%. That’s a massive drop.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 10, 2025

No extracurricular activity is “bad,” but some definitely catch the eye of college admissions teams more than others. Selective colleges take a holistic approach to admissions, meaning they look at the whole picture instead of just focusing on your grades and test scores. Here are other Tier 1 extracurriculars examples: 1.

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ACM College Consulting

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

Prepare for Standardized Tests If you plan to take the SAT or ACT, start preparing now. Plan to take the test at least twice this spring and summer to meet fall deadlines. While most colleges are test-free or test-optional, remember that more and more schools are shifting back to requiring testing.

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ACM College Consulting

MAY 3, 2024

Last summer, more than 1900 colleges were test optional, test-free or test-blind. Many others have stated they will not go back to requiring test scores yet, if ever, but there is still the potential for more colleges to return to requiring test scores. So, should students still take a test?

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Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Applicants to the Class of 2029 will need to submit an SAT or ACT score although there are some exceptions for those unable to take these exams. Transfer students may still take advantage of a test-optional policy. 3 words) What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it?

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HelloCollege

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

Navigating the vast ocean of academic preparation, one question looms large on the horizon: “When is the best time to start test prep tutoring ?” ” This crucial query resonates with students and parents alike, grappling with the intricacies of the SAT and ACT. When is the Best Time to Start Test Prep Tutoring?

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BestColleges

APRIL 15, 2024

Harvard has reinstituted its standardized test requirement beginning next fall. Studies suggest standardized tests can help increase socioeconomic diversity. Add Harvard to the list of universities reinstating standardized test requirements. Brown soon hopped aboard the testing bandwagon, offering the same rationale. [S]trong

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Ivy Central

APRIL 6, 2023

The future of standardised tests. Now, three years later, we see that the vast majority of colleges have not returned to the point of requiring applicants to include a SAT or ACT score as a part of their application. However, over the last year, a few colleges have started to require standardised test scores once again.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 1, 2025

To have a real shot, your application needs to stand out in every waygrades, essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars. That means your essays need to be sharp, your recommendations glowing, and your extracurriculars meaningful. Target test scores UChicago is test-optional , so you dont have to submit SAT or ACT scores.

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Top Tier Admissions

MARCH 18, 2025

In August 2023, ACT released their findings from a twelve year study (2010-2022), concluding that average grades for U.S. This occurred even though ACT subject tests remained relatively stagnant. In fact, ACT scores even dropped a bit in some areas. students had risen in every subject, and most notably, in math.

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Admissions Mom

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Every year, I receive tons of questions about how many extracurricular activities are necessary and whether a kids chances will be hurt because they havent performed at Carnegie Hall, been speaking Mandarin since they were five, or cured cancer. Its an important part of your application. They want to know that, too. The bad news?

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Top Tier Admissions

NOVEMBER 7, 2024

Test scores Unlike the many colleges that have reinstated standardized testing requirements , the UC schools remain test-blind and will not consider SAT or ACT scores. They do, however, allow students to report AP and IB exams, and non-native English speakers are required to submit an English language proficiency test.

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College Essay Guy

FEBRUARY 12, 2025

You already know that summer and extracurricular activities are a great way to explore your interests, challenge yourself, and maybe even strengthen your college application along the way. Download a Printable Version of the Values List CEGS Epic List of Summer and extracurricular Ideas Organized by Values Thats right.

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Grown & Flown

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

In the beginning, we trained ChatGPT by testing it on just a few schoolsthen, when she was closer to making a decision, we used it to compare her final options. Academic Profile : What are the average GPA and ACT/SAT scores for admitted students? Clubs & Activities : What extracurriculars are available?

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Admissions Village

JUNE 19, 2024

Historically Black College or University (HBCU): In Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress officially defined HBCUs as institutions of higher learning that were accredited and established before 1964, and whose principal mission is the education of Black Americans. To understand more about this please read our blog.

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Thats according to a recent analysis of ACT scores. Heres whats even more concerning: more than 40% of new graduates didnt meet the ACTs college-readiness benchmarks in any subject, and only 21% hit the mark in all four. Its okay to test out different clubs and hobbies, but be careful not to spread yourself too thin.

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Top Tier Admissions

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

College admissions officers rely on student essays to understand applicants beyond their grades and test scores. The act of writing gets students to slow down and think deeply. C ollege Private Counseling Develop an organized and effective application strategy that leverages your academic and extracurricular experience to stand out.

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AdmissionSight

JANUARY 11, 2025

To boost your chances, focus on maintaining a strong GPA , engaging in extracurriculars, and showcasing what makes you unique. Keep up those grades, get involved in extracurriculars, and make your passion for what UC Davis offers stand out in your application. No need to worry about test scores and recommendation letters!

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Top Tier Admissions

JANUARY 7, 2025

TIMING IS EVERYTHING Just like theres a right and a wrong time to study for a big test (hint: NOT the night before!), Transferring to a different college might be the right decision, but we want to make sure you approach it with your eyes wide open. theres an optimum time to transfer.

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AdmissionSight

APRIL 1, 2025

Extracurricular activities. Considered These factors dont hold the same weight as the more important ones, but they still play a role in rounding out your application: Standardized test scores. SAT or ACT scores provide a picture of your academic abilities and help the admissions team see if youre academically prepared for Cornell.

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AdmissionSight

MARCH 30, 2025

Very important They place the most importance on things like your talent/ability, character/personal qualities, standardized test scores, recommendations, and your application essay. Important Next up, extracurricular activities fall under the important category. Score well on the SAT/ACT. Focus on meaningful extracurriculars.

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AHM Advising

DECEMBER 3, 2024

Colleges may want to see additional information about your senior year academic performance and extracurricular involvement before making a final decision. Some EA schools will defer strong students to test their level of interest. Maybe you want to give the ACT or SAT one more try.

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AdmissionSight

DECEMBER 17, 2024

Harvard looks at other factors like your course rigor, extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendations. To truly stand out, youll need to focus on other elements of your application, like leadership, extracurriculars, and your essay. Strong extracurricular activities. Consider your test scores.

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AdmissionSight

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

They take a holistic approach, which means your essays, extracurriculars, and personality matter just as much as your GPA. For students, this means that just having great grades and test scores isn’t always enough. Keep your grades up while being involved in meaningful extracurriculars. What Are Vanderbilt’s GPA Requirements?

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